calday grange grammar school exam

Calday Grange Grammar School is a non-denominational selective state-funded grammar schoolfounded in 1636, situated on Caldy Hill in the town of West Kirby on the Wirral peninsula. They currently offer a free, grammar school education to nearly 1400 students, with approximately 200 boys in each of Years 7 to 11 and a mixed Sixth Form of nearly 500 students. Access to the school in Year 7 is through an 11 plus examination coordinated by the local authority.

CEM

WHAT?

CEM is part of Durham University’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring and provides 11 plus assessment for many areas. Wirral switched to this new format 2yrs ago. It provides accurate and fair testing for children at the start of year 6 and is aimed at identifying children who are more academically capable.

The format has varied each year and sections are very tightly timed. The subjects covered are English, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal reasoning (including comprehension, shuffled sentences and cloze passages).

WHEN?

Usually in the second full week back in September, the children will be sitting the test. They will sit two tests, taking place on the same day with a short break in between. The timed tests are directed by an audio CD which gives instructions and timings for each section.

WHERE?

Historically, most primary schools have facilitated their own pupils taking the test, however, this is presently in review and Wirral Authority will clarify this soon.